National eSmart Week

REGISTER DURING NATIONAL ESMART WEEK TO KEEP OUR KIDS CYBER SAFE

With even toddlers using social media tools and technology, it is vital for schools, libraries, communities and parents to work to protect our most vulnerable from violence and exploitation. Digital safety is one of the most important child protection issues of our time. Our children are digital learners and explorers before they can even read, and parents are their first teachers. Now, schools, libraries, organisations and workplaces can register for National eSmart Week and showcase their commitment to building a cyber safe community.

Held from 4–8 September, in line with National Child Protection Week, National eSmart Week creates awareness, solutions and ideas for community education to keep our children safe online.

Designed for Australians, eSmart is an initiative of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, a national charity which works to protect children from violence

Alannah & Madeline Foundation CEO, Lesley Podesta, said it is a week where communities come together to encourage everyone to be smart, safe and responsible when using digital technology. 'National eSmart Week creates awareness, solutions and ideas for community education on issues of cyber safety, bullying and wellbeing online, and offline,' Ms Podesta said. eSmart uses a cultural change approach to improve cyber safety, increase digital literacy and reduce cyber bullying across Australia.

Now in its third year, the week celebrates online safety through the Foundation’s eSmart Schools, eSmart Libraries and eSmart Digital Licence

Australian Library and Information Association’s CEO, Sue McKerracher, said she thought it was great that libraries and schools are working together to create cyber safe communities.

'No one must be left behind,' Ms McKerracher said.

Ms Podesta said that we should all work together to raise a generation of smart, safe and responsible children who are capable and compassionate online.

'It’s so important for the community not to fear technology, but to be able to navigate it comfortably, safely and competently. Every child requires digital literacy,' she said.

'There are fantastic resources here, including webinars, competitions and quizzes. We’re asking schools and libraries to register during the week and learn more about keeping their children safe. And parents can register for the webinars'.

The week will be launched on Sunday, 3 September by Minister for Communications and the Arts, Senator Mitch Fifield. Telstra Foundation is generously supporting National eSmart Week. Telstra Foundation General Manager Jackie Coates said eSmart is a world-leading, evidence-based system which promotes respectful behaviours.

“The opportunities in an online world are endless, but it’s important that everyone is able to do so safely. The eSmart program helps all Australians maximise the benefits that come with digital technology, while staying safe online.”

About the Foundation

The Alannah & Madeline Foundation is the leading national not-for-profit organisation working to protect children from the effects of violence and bullying. The Foundation has assisted more than 2 million children over 20 years.

The Foundation’s vision is that every child will live in a safe and supportive environment.

'We believe that no child should feel unsafe or be threatened with violence'.